Overview

Clethra alnifolia is a bushy deciduous shrub in the genus Clethra, part of the Clethraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 2.5 m tall. Clethra alnifolia grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden. It is native to Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire and New Jersey.

About

Clethra alnifolia, the coastal sweetpepperbush or summer sweet, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Clethra of the family Clethraceae, native to eastern North America from southern Nova Scotia and Maine south to northern Florida, and west to eastern Texas. It is a deciduous shrub which grows in wetlands, bogs and woodland streams.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Clethra alnifolia

About the genus

Clethra is a genus of flowering shrubs or small trees erected as a genus by Linnaeus in 1753.

Wikipedia contributors, "Clethra", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Clethra

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Clethra

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy

Soil pH

Acid

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Wet

Aspect

East-facing, North-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Clethra alnifolia size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

deciduous shrub

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

2.5 m

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden

Native to

Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey

Fragrance

fragrant flowers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Clethra alnifolia

Propagation

Seed in spring or autumn; softwood cuttings in early summer

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions